All of a Barcelona persuasion have on Tuesday been sent something of a warning, regarding incoming goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Shot-stopper Szczęsny, of course, is expected to be unveiled as the latest addition to Hansi Flick’s Barcelona squad any day now.
Brought in to act as cover following the long-term injury suffered by Marc-André ter Stegen, the Pole underwent his medical tests in Catalunya’s capital on Monday, ahead of putting pen to paper on a contract with the Blaugrana through the close of the campaign.
Szczęsny could even be in attendance later tonight, when his new teammates play host to Young Boys in the Champions League.
And yet, as alluded to above, it could be some time yet before Barcelona’s supporters are treated to a first glimpse of their new goalkeeper in competitive action.
Speaking during an interview with ‘Fakt’ (as cited by Mundo Deportivo) in Poland this week, Jacek Rutkowski, Szczęsny’s first coach at Agrykola Warszawa, was drawn on the former Arsenal and Juventus man’s return to the pitch.
And Rutkowski, in his response, warned that his fellow countryman will require at least a few weeks of training before being ready to contribute:
“Although 34 is not an old age for a goalkeeper, Wojciech will certainly need three or four weeks of training to get back to his pre-retirement condition. The muscles and tendons have been used to being exercised over the years and functioned differently when he did nothing. He needs to restore them to their ‘factory state’. One thing I am sure of: Wojciech will not be in goal if he is not sure he is ready. He is coming back to reinforce and defend Barça in a few games. He will surely not allow himself to go out on the field for his debut if he is not 100% convinced of his performance.”
Conor Laird – GSFN
